Razor bumps typically mean painful raised spots caused by ingrown hairs on the face or any other parts of the body that are subjected to hair. This condition occurs when the growing hairs curl back into the skin and penetrate it, which might lead to inflammation, pimples, and others
The fact is, there’s nothing more fascinating than getting rid of razor bumps and making your face smooth and neat after shaving. Most importantly, you might lose your self-esteem as a result of razor bumps. That’s why it’s important to apply products like coconut oil to prevent its spread or treat it if you already have one.
In this article, you will understand how you can use coconut oil for ingrown hair and it benefits.
How Does Coconut Oil Heal Razor Bumps?
The application of coconut oil might just be all that you need to heal and prevent the spread of razor bumps on your face. Though, there are other natural methods like the application of Aloe Vera, White tea, Tea tree oil, and so on. Coconut oil has some skin-soothing properties that can help to treat your razor bumps when applied
Here are properties coconut oil contains, which might help to treat razor bumps
01. Medical Chain Fatty Acids
Research has proven that coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties which help to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. The application of coconut oil on your face will automatically kill bacteria and fungi, which might eventually cause folliculitis barbae ( razor bumps caused by viral or bacterial infection)
02. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Coconut oil can reduce inflammation when applied to the skin because it contains anti-inflammatory properties. When applied, it will improve antioxidant status and neutralize the reaction atoms that can contribute to inflammation
03. Moisturization
Applying coconut oil to your skin can help to keep it hydrated. This will eventually reduce the risk of having razor bumps
How To Shave With Coconut Oil?
You can use coconut oil as shaving cream. All you just have to do is to follow the step-by-step process of using it. The majority prefer mixing coconut oil with other natural skin ingredients like aloe vera to make it effective when used
However, here are step by step process of shaving with coconut oil
01. Before Shaving
- Rinse your face with warm water to open the pores and prevent irritation
- Rub the coconut oil together with your hands to soften it in case the temperature makes it thick
02. During Shaving
- Apply a thin layer of coconut oil and allow it to sink in and soften the skin before you apply the second layer
- Shave the hair with a sharp razor and make sure you rinse it with clean water every few strokes
03. After Shaving
- Rinse the razor and make sure it’s clean to prevent the coconut oil from building up on it
- Rinse your face with warm water
- Gently wipe it with a towel
- Apply additional coconut oil to your face to keep the skin hydrated
Benefits of Shaving With Coconut Oil
Have you ever tried using coconut oil for shaving and seen how fascinating it’s? Among other shaving ingredients, the effects of coconut oil on your skin can’t be neglected.
According to international journal of molecular science, coconut oil is composed of many FFAs including Lauric acid (49%), Myristic acid (18%), Palmitic acid (8%), Caprylic acid (8%), Capric acid (7%), Oleic acid (6%), Linoleic acid (2%), and Stearic acid (2%). Some of these acids have antibacterial properties which help to combat bacteria to prevent skin diseases like acne while others contain properties that help the skin to be hydrated.
Moreover, apart from acne conditions, coconut oil is also effective in decreasing ameliorating disease severity index ( SCORAD) and improving barrier function ( TEWL and skin capacitance)
In the long run, these are the major benefits of using coconut oil.
- It helps to reduce skin inflammation
- It helps by keeping skin hydrated
- It acts as an antioxidant
- It repairs the skin barrier
- It acts as an antibacterial protectant
- It reduces the risk of having shaving bumps
- It can also treat razor bumps
Disadvantages Of Using Coconut Oil On Face
Despite all the benefits of coconut oil to the skin, there are some precautions you must put into consideration when using it to prevent its side effects
Typically, the side effects of coconut oil are not for everyone. Our skin is different and also reacted in different ways. Some are allergic to coconut oil and shouldn’t use it. Therefore, the first precaution you need before using coconut oil is to study your skin type
Here, you will understand why you shouldn’t use coconut oil and the precautions to prevent the side effects
- Sensitive or oily skin
Coconut oil can cause skin irritation if you have sensitive or oily skin. This happened when you noticed redness, itching, and mild swelling after applying
- Allergic to coconut
Coconut oil affects people that are allergic to coconut the most. The way your body reacts to it when eating is the same when applied to the skin
- Clog pores
Coconut oil is classified as Comedogenic, which means it can clog pores and this can eventually lead to acne.
- Scarring
Coconut oil could cause more harm than good. Though you can use it to cure scars, it might not be the best option sometimes
Coconut Oil Precautions
- Never use coconut oil if you’re allergic to coconut
- Never use coconut oil on your face if you have sensitive or oily skin
- You can apply it on a small section of your skin to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation or blocked pores before applying it to your face
- Talk to your doctor before applying coconut boil on scars
Most importantly, make sure you know your skin type before using coconut oil
The reason why the majority use coconut oil is basically to cure razor bumps. Occasionally, coconut oil can highly prevent the risk of skin irritation and maximize skin moisturization. However, before using coconut oil on your skin, be sure that it works for your skin
